Day Trip to Sydney’s Blue Mountains & the stunning Three Sisters

Exploring the Blue Mountains makes for an excellent day trip if you're visiting Sydney and seeking a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. Situated just an hour and a half outside of Sydney, once you arrive, you'd never guess you're so close to Australia's largest metropolis. While the Blue Mountains are famous for the Three Sisters, which draws millions of visitors annually, it's not just these remarkable rock formations that create unforgettable experiences but also the various activities that offer different perspectives of the Three Sisters.

During my stay in Sydney, I decided to make it extra special by spending a night at the luxurious Shangri-La Hotel, overlooking the stunning Sydney Harbour. From a Harbour View room, you're treated to uninterrupted vistas of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House, and the lively harbour and Circular Quay activities.

Staying here was even more spectacular in June when the Vivid Festival was in full swing, offering breathtaking views of the illuminated harbor and monuments at night. The projections on the sails of the Sydney Opera House came to life at 6:00 pm, creating a mesmerising spectacle. You can find a detailed review of the Shangri-La Sydney here and watch the video below to relive this incredible experience.

To get to the Blue Mountains, the best way is by car, and that's precisely what I did with Avis, conveniently located within the Marriott Hotel near Circular Quay. There are alternative transportation options if you prefer a more leisurely journey. You can opt for public transport, with trains taking you directly to the Blue Mountains, stopping at Katoomba Station, which takes approximately two hours.

Another option to consider is a guided tour to the mountains, especially if you're staying in Sydney's city center. However, I wouldn't strongly recommend it, as the Blue Mountains are relatively easy to explore independently, allowing you the flexibility to set your own pace and save some money in the process.

Upon reaching Katoomba, I suggest heading straight to Scenic World, despite the temptation to drive directly to the Three Sisters lookout. This serves as the perfect base for exploring everything the area has to offer and maximizing your experience. Admission to Scenic World costs $39.00 for an adult ticket, granting you unlimited access to all attractions for the day. You'll receive a wristband with a barcode, which grants you entry to the attractions, including the Skyway, Railway, or Cable Car.

It's recommended to begin with the Skyway, a spacious cable car that transports visitors to the other side of the gorge, offering impressive views of the Three Sisters on one side and the equally stunning Katoomba Falls on the other. The Skyway features a glass floor in the center that brave souls can stand on. It starts off frosted and then clears as the Skyway moves over the gorge, providing a thrilling experience.

Upon arrival at the other side, you have a few options. You can take a short stroll to view Katoomba Falls or embark on a longer path to catch a glimpse of the Three Sisters. The first major stop is the Three Sisters lookout. If you're not in the mood for walking, you can also drive here, but hiking offers a much more immersive experience.

Upon reaching this point, you can choose to either return or continue down the trail, eventually arriving at the Three Sisters themselves. There's an additional option to descend via a small bridge, known as Honeymoon Bridge, connecting to the closest rock. Keep in mind that space is limited, and depending on the time of day, you might find many people vying for a spot on the small ledge.

To return, you'll need to catch the Skyway back to the starting point at Scenic World. Once back, you'll have two options: either take the Cable Car or the Railway down into the valley. I opted for the Cable Car, which provides sweeping views of the valley and a hint of adrenaline for those standing at the front as it approaches the edge before descending the mountain.

Upon reaching the valley floor, you'll find several boardwalks winding through the rainforest. You can either take the cable car back up or opt to walk directly to the railway. The best choice is to explore the forest by taking either the shorter or slightly longer boardwalk, which meanders through the lush environment.

Returning to the summit, where Scenic World is located, you can catch the railway, known as the steepest in the world. It can get quite crowded, so if you want a front-row seat, you may need to wait a couple of times. I recommend making use of the padded bar in front of your seat, as the train ascends almost vertically and can put a strain on your knees.

It's a fun little ride as it shoots back up, and even if you're not a fan of thrill rides, it's a relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Visiting the Blue Mountains is a fantastic day trip, offering an escape from Sydney's urban buzz and the opportunity to explore the rainforest. If you only want to see the Three Sisters, you can do so free of charge. However, to fully immerse yourself in the experience, it's more enjoyable to explore the attractions around the Three Sisters.

If you haven't already, check out the video above for a guided tour of the Blue Mountains and a breathtaking view of Vivid from the Shangri-La Hotel.

For more information about Scenic World, visit their website here.